New Orleans Pelicans Rumors: Hamed Haddadi on Free Agency Radar

By Cody Williams

Russ Isabella – USA Today Sports Images

The New Orleans Pelicansbackcourt is much improved as they look ahead to the 2013-2014 NBADraft. With the additions of Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans this summer and even with Greivis Vasquez no longer being in the picture, this is a young and talented backcourt that could make some noise in the upcoming season.

However, the frontcourt of the Pelicans is a little shallower. They obviously have an enormous talent in Anthony Davis and a quality young player in Ryan Anderson. Outside of those two players and specifically at the center position, though, talent is a bit scarce in the New Orleans frontcourt.

Right now the two centers in New Orleans are rookie Jeff Withey and the strikingly average Greg Stiemsma. However, it seems like the Pelicans might want to run a platoon of average-at-best big men out at the five this season, especially with the latest free agency rumblings regarding the team.

Haddadi has played in just 151 games in his career and hasn’t had much of an opportunity. He’s averaged just 2.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in only seven minutes per game while shooting 46.3 percent from the floor.

There’s no way on God’s green earth that Haddadi is going to be an impact player if he eventually signs with the Pelicans. However, for a team devoid of talent at the center position, Haddadi isn’t a bad option as a third guy in a platoon split. He’s not ideal, but it could also get a lot worse than the big Iranian.